Choosing a bench

The stool, as a type of furniture, first appeared in France, presumably in the 16-17 centuries, during the heyday of court luxury and craving for exquisite furniture.

Poufs and banquettes served as a bench in the home interpretation. They were comfortable to sit comfortably surrounded by guests or in the process of any official events. Judging by the name of this type of furniture, it was invented and used for banquet entertainment.

Very popular were the models of benches with a back, creating the most comfortable conditions in the course of lengthy ceremonies of any direction. Then the banquettes began to be used for a long game on the piano. The soft base of the furniture reduced the load on the spine in the process of musical exercises.

From the reign of kings to modern days, banquettes not only decorate the interior, but also perform their functions for their intended purpose.On them, as before, it is convenient to sit down, but not in the intervals between the melodies at the ball, but, for example, to change the shoes. This is the use of the stool was the most popular in the Soviet years.

Today they are used at home everywhere. But now they have a more practical design and often serve not only as a rest, but also as a place to store things.

To understand why this piece of furniture comes from the Middle Ages, you need to learn about its features. Bench is called a small elegant bench with a soft base. It can be made of various materials, with or without backrest, with armrests or their absence.

The stool is easily replaced in the kitchen with several traditional stools. And if in it to organize an internal box, the furniture will become not just comfortable, but also functional.

A typical bench can have the following features:

• complement the interior of the room;
• accommodate in a small hallway;
• have internal storage space for shoes or small household items;
• replace stools and chairs;
• be used as a stand for equipment, household appliances;
• play the role of the pouf near the dressing table or the piano.

Currently, you can find a variety of options for stools.

• In the interior of the living room and in the dining area looks very advantageous sofa sofa. It can be conveniently located one of the guests or the hostess herself, receiving guests. Such a model is a tribute to the traditions of the past, when it was accepted in noble houses to lead guests, sitting on an elegant banquettes. In connection with this purpose, the furniture is traditionally made with a soft seat and back.

• Banquette table in the living room - a great solution that combines two in one. On it and behind her it is equally convenient to sit alone or in a small pleasant company.

• Banquette chest found her haven in modern bedrooms and children's rooms. In the first variant, bed linen is stored in the depths of the volumetric bench, and in the second - they put toys.

• Another model most often used in bedrooms - ottoman. A soft piece of furniture serves as a chair at the cosmetic table. But it is distinguished from the chair by the absence of legs. The pouf can be easily moved around the room and carried out of its limits if necessary. With pleasure they throw their feet after a hard day at work.

• In the kitchen is the place for bench-stoolswhich can be light and mobile or stationary, but multi-functional. It is very convenient to store kitchen utensils inside it when the area is small.
• Stools stools also frequent elements of the setting in the kitchens. Because a soft base is much more comfortable than a traditional stool with a hard seat.

• But stool stool in the form of a "horseshoe" and a pedestal bench are considered versatile products that can be used anywhere in the living space. In the cabinet is convenient to store small items of daily use. If you install such a piece of furniture around the couch, the issue of storing remotes, chargers for mobile phones, headphones and books will be solved in the most successful way.

• Have pedestals as usual, a hard flat seat, on which it is convenient to place a glass of water at night, a telephone with an alarm clock, a wrist watch, or some other object. Convenient shelves are hidden inside the cabinet, covered with or without a door.

• More decorative role in canapes. The miniature seat serves its intended purpose only - for seating. You can not sit on it for a long time because of the size and lack of backrest and armrests. But temporarily located on the canapes will be quite comfortable.

It would seem that the bench is a classic piece of furniture, but he has only one name left of the classics. Now manufacturers give vent to the imaginations of designers and translate into reality incredible types of stools.

To create a furniture exclusive for different interiors, not only wood, chipboard and MDF are used, but also metal and forging. A wrought-iron stool with a pouf is not only a strong and durable option, but also a real find for a house in the colonial style, Empire, baroque and in many other exquisite decorations.

The same applies to the model with a pouf, or rather from the stools in this model one name.

And if such a soft seat is combined with a lifting mechanism, the pouf will not only be the epitome of comfort and convenience, but also hide all sorts of household trifles from prying eyes. Such a pouf may have a round shape, rather than the traditional rectangular or square.

Particularly impressive are the stools in the form of a pouf with a four-sided tie. This is a classic style direction, but, nevertheless, relevant in many creative modern interiors. In the bright colors of the upholstery, such furniture attracts teenagers and designers who create interiors in the style of ontoart and techno. And in the interior of the vintage and loft look great such puffs in pastel shades: milk, ivory, pearl, champagne.

If the bench is planned for location in the kitchen, it is better to choose with armrests and with an adjustable backrest. During a long conversation over tea or a gathering at a table with guests, it is much more convenient to sit on such a bench than on a similar, but with a fixed back.For the kitchen is also very beneficial angular design of the stools.

Covering eco-leather for the kitchen will be the most practical option. And if you want more gloss and refinement, you should consider textured fabrics as upholstery. The ribbed surface of the faux leather gives the product an unusual chic and presentable look.

A rigid double bench with legs on a metal frame will fit into the interior of a modern hallway. And it will serve not only as an ornament, but will also be a very profitable piece of furniture.

There are special models of stools, with storage space for shoes, equipped with a drawer, a shelf for keys and shoe brushes. Usually they have a hard or semi-soft seat with a hinged lid. Or the lid is fixed, and the drawers open at the side.

For the hallway, the choice of stools amazes with its range. If the footage allows, the three-seat semicircular model will become the center of the style of the entrance of the house. And in cramped conditions, a single model on wheels will be very useful.Such soft ottomans are good when the shelf in the corridor serves as a dressing table in combination. Equipping a suitable lighting, sitting on a single pouf, it is very convenient to do hair and apply makeup.

The bench and folding stationary type is convenient for pianist. It is easy and simple to push a small model under the piano, and it is very convenient to sit on it at the instrument. Moreover, together with the piano, the banquette looks incredibly elegant, sublime and aesthetically pleasing.

For living room there will be many good models, and it is possible to use them for their intended purpose for specific purposes. To relax the muscles after a hard day's work, there is nothing more pleasant for the legs than to throw them on a comfortable stool. And if you put a tray with tea and sweets, fruit or dessert on a low bench, it will replace the coffee table. In front of the TV, this snack brings and relaxes.

In the corridor the banquette is put both for storing shoes and keys, and for the convenience of re-shoeing. This is especially true in families where there are children and the elderly. Sitting on a low, stable bench, shoes much easier and easier. Also on the banquet in the corridor so appropriate to have bags.

Models with a shelf instead of one of the armrests - a great solution for owners of fixed phones. The device will always be in a prominent place, and long conversations on it can be carried out by sitting on the bench.

In the dressing room Also not superfluous to put a bench with a shelf for storing shoes. If space allows, it can be triple, located along one of the walls. It is the stool that will make any nook with clothes a real wardrobe.

An elegant stool on bent legs and pulls placed at the foot of the bed in the bedroom. Such a decision will turn the rest room into an elegant boudoir. A more massive model, with a box in the form of a chest - a frequent option in modern styles. It is practical for storing bed linen and beautifully as an element of decor.

For the dressing table in the bedroom, on the contrary, they choose miniature models, puffs with and without legs.Often they are equipped with wheels for ease of movement. If necessary, they push or push under the tabletop.

It does not hurt, but only decorates and serves as a great place to store a stool. in the bathroom. Of course, if you allow the footage. Towels will always be close at hand, and doing cosmetic procedures and even wiping after a shower is much more comfortable sitting. Use the stool in the bathroom can be for another purpose, if you combine it with a laundry basket.

In children this piece of furniture is also rarely bought. Children love puffy stools, poufs and benches with a soft seat, under which they hide their treasure-toys. The banquette in the children's room is often made in the form of a chest or equipped with an open shelf for books.

Often the banquette in the houses put to the balcony. There it is very harmonious for both seating and storage. On balconies and loggias it is important to save a maximum of space. A banquette with a folding soft lid-seat perfectly cope with this task. What to store in it is an individual decision.

Obviously, this piece of furniture is multifunctional and will have to be the way in any setting.In each room, the banquette will be a favorite piece of furniture. In addition, it was adapted to apply it in beauty salons, public reception and waiting rooms. This is not only a home-made type of furniture, but a thing with diverse functionality and purpose.

Under each style will fit a particular model of stools, depending on the materials from which it is made. There are several of the most popular and selling upholstery options:

• leather upholstery - a classic solution for all times, preferred in many styles, but not affordable for everyone;
• eco-leather - the available analog imitating a natural covering. Differs in durability, practicality and durability.
• velor surface - The choice of aesthetes and lovers of luxury, blends harmoniously with the eastern interior, baroque, empire, renaissance, versailles and similar stylistic directions ;.

• quilted fabric Upholstery also looks presentable and expensive. This is a real chic, embodied in the limits of the stool;
• microvelvette - modern fabric, often used by designers for upholstering banquettes. The gentle velvety surface attracts to rest on it.

The bases of the design are also distinguished by a great variety, which makes it possible to choose the stool according to individual taste.

For each separate room there is a winning solution:

• metal The base of the stool is suitable for a corridor or a kitchen. And in the bathroom it is necessary to use only stainless metal;
• chromed - similar to the previous version. Looks great in modern interiors. It is best combined with leather upholstery and eco-leather with a smooth or ribbed surface;

• plastic - budget option for the stool. It is easy to clean, has a small weight, and therefore, it is mobile and often used in children's rooms. For the bathroom plastic and does find. Since he is not afraid of moisture, mold, easy to wipe, can be washed under running water;
• rattan base - suitable for banquettes located on the terrace, loggia, porch. Visible lightness of construction with high real strength;
• solid wood - the strongest bench, durable and suitable for living rooms and dining rooms. It is combined with sitting, upholstered in micro velvet, and with velor, and with tapestry.With each type of fabric the wooden array looks presentable and solid. The wooden base withstands heavy loads and remains intact for many years;

• Chipboard - material is cheaper and more accessible than an array. But it allows you to create complex shapes and intricate designs. Lightweight, has a wide range of colors and a lot of options for design performance.

It is necessary that the bench supports the style of the interior, actually complementing the overall picture. In the living room, low ottoman models with upholstery identical to that of the rest of upholstered furniture will look perfect. Usually these models complete the sofa and chairs.

The uniform color scale and style create a certain atmosphere. Having sustained it, it is possible to achieve absolute harmony in the interior. But for this you need to understand what is good for the classics or not acceptable in the modern arrangement of the room.

The classic style is emphasized by strict padded stools and banquettes with one-colored upholstery. An exception can be made only for checkered and striped fabrics of dim colors: light beige and silver, brown and pearl.

The Art Nouveau style is white, black or red. Violet bench or turquoise look bright, but not in all interior variations. Sometimes the calm color of wenge fits into the modern style more than the bright and rich colors.

Wenge is generally the most common choice of designers for the base of the stools, and for upholstery. In the corridors it can be found most often. In addition, the bench in this design is a frequent “tenant” of cabinets, fireplace rooms, canteens and reception rooms.

And for those who wish to make the center of the interior exactly a bench, it is worth looking at models with velvet or fabrics imitating embroidery and lace. Gold on the upholstery looks gorgeous in the bedroom, as well as the silver blotches in the patterns.

A yellow or blue upholstered bench with or without a frame, in the form of a pouf or a stable stool, is perfect for a teenager's room or to the nursery. Bright colors elevate your mood, increase your thirst for life and stimulate activity and activity. This is what is necessary for the younger generation. To instill a taste for comfort and beauty you need from childhood.

In its dimensions, benches for rest are different, both long and single. A large stool is good for a spacious room, and a narrow 25 cm will fit even into the smallest corridor.

The standard size of the banquettes in the kitchen is 1500x400x400, but smaller parameters of length, width and depth are very popular and very convenient. Long length banquette can be used as a mini-sofa to accommodate guests at the table. It will replace several stools and will accommodate several people at the same time.

But it is also convenient to use in order to relax individually. Relaxed to recline on such a bed after dinner reading a book or watching a movie is a wonderful option for rest. It is better if it is a low model. High is better to choose for the kitchen or dining room.

The bedroom stool often has dimensions of 1300х400х400 - it is comfortable and does not clutter up space. It is low and is made in the same style with the rest of the furniture.

For each specific style you need your own model of the stool. Initially, this piece of furniture was used in Provence styles, baroque is a classic of this genre. Today, these styles are retro, but do not lose popularity. On the contrary, it is increasing with a new force.

• Modern designers widely use soft benches, creating East style. Velor upholstery, curved legs, low base, soft back and armrests. Everything for the most relaxed and oriental hospitable atmosphere.

• Country styleon the contrary, the fabrics are more practical, the drawings are simpler, the frame is uncomplicated. The colors of the banquettes in light shades, welcome cage, floral motifs upholstery on a pale blue, pinkish, cream or white background. Frame - natural wood, solid pine, oak. Often painted in snow-white color, but natural wood does not give up leading positions in country style.
• Loft style suggests simplicity combined with sophistication.Banquettes exactly like that - elegant and luxurious, without unnecessary details, bends and brightness. Upholstery colors are monochrome, fabric is leather and its artificial substitute. The design is both straight and angular, the height is small. The look of the banquettes is often made of antiquity, the base is not smooth, but textured, with a carriage tie, which can be not only from above, but also from all sides of the piece of furniture.

• Scandinavian style in the interior will emphasize the light bench of a simple form, rectangular, without elaborate openwork elements and bent legs. Only air lightness and naturalness. Favorite interior design of Europeans, rooted in many Slavic houses.
• Art Deco requires a real extravaganza of shape and brilliance of colors. This luxury, inherent only to the eminent nobility and persons of royal blood. The rich appearance of the banquettes turns the bedroom into an imperial alcove, and the living room into a reception room for a socialite, giving amazing balls. The benches in this style are always the center of attention, the most comfortable for relaxing, on their basis you don't even want to sit down, but lie down.

Choose a smart or discreet models - an individual decision of each. Indeed, in any case, this type of furniture will be in demand in every corner of the house. Moreover, now the production of banquettes is gaining momentum.

Manufacturers are concerned not only with the design component, but also with the quality characteristics of the products. As for the advice of choice, they can not be unambiguous. Someone can afford the stools that Italy produces, stylish and respectable. Other wealthy owners prefer elite Spanish stools.

Each buyer, relying on the listed criteria for combining furniture styles with an interior, is able to personally choose a bench for their needs. Based on the available funds and the destination of the piece of furniture.

Of course, you should choose only high-quality, reliable designs that will last a long time and without problems. If income allows you to make repairs in a different style, then the stool is selected for a specific decision of the designer.But for those who are conservative or not planning frequent changes, it is better to dwell on the classical model. Of course, if we are not talking about the nursery.

Tastes in children are changeable, so there is no point in buying too expensive puffs. Moreover, babies do not differ in accuracy and frugality. For the mischievous, soft models with washable upholstery in bright, warm colors are preferable. All sorts of ornaments, animal designs, prints with sweets and superheroes are welcome. The material is ideal that has "anti-vandal" strength.

The same rule is to accept the owners of four-legged pets. Banquette - a favorite place for cats and miniature dogs. But our younger brothers do not care about the state of the upholstery. On the contrary, it is a great pleasure to sharpen claws about tapestry or leatherette.

Often, anti-clap stools (velor, flock, chenille) are made to order, and such models are not put on stream.

The transforming stools, transforming into tables or transforming from one-piece benches into two independent poufs, are incredibly good in terms of functionality. Design solutions never cease to amaze with their creativity and singularity. Unique banquettes are made to order, they have a large price tag. But connoisseurs of art, this aspect is of little concern. They are used to buying only exclusive and do not bargain in order to buy a cheaper thing for an expensive interior.

Naturally, exclusive models do not acquire for the sake of placement on the balcony. And practicality in them at least. Banks and tools in the depths of such structures are not stored. But they always admire the guests and they delight the gaze of their sophisticated owners.

In order to understand which stool will suit this or that style, you should get acquainted with ready-made solutions. Photo banquettes in different interiors will help the designer to navigate in different directions and choose something of their own.

• Red bench - a bold decision for lovers of extravagance in the interior, a bright emphasis on luxury.

• Round bench with pastel color upholstery in a Provence style room.
• Luxurious upholstered bench with curved asymmetrical back and baroque style carriage strap.
• The unusual solution is a black upholstered bench in combination with a gold-plated delicate wooden frame.
• Banquette, if necessary, replacing the coffee table. The simplicity of the forms, monochrome upholstery, practical matter - a sign of restrained taste.

How to make a vintage bench from the stand under the phone - the following video.